Big block header decision time... help! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

.030over · 10-07-2005, 08:32 PM

Getting close to think about headers so I thought I would kick some options out to see who has tried these. What I am building is a '67 SWB that will be lowered 4/6 or maybe 5/7 so I need some ground clearance. I plan on making a custom trans crossmember and will route my own exhaust. I mistakenly bought a set of std heddman headers for this truck only to hear you guys all say they don't have enough ground clearance. So my options seem to be (1) some type of pass car long tube header that has higher collector exit (chevelle, camaro) or (2) use a shorty header that won't maximize my 500hp big block. Has anyone used a mid length header on a big block? I see the small block Chevelle mids work but don't recall seeing anyone use the big block ones. Anyone use full long tube Chevelle big block headers. I know they would interfere with a stock trans crossmember but I can fab it however I wish. Any other ideas guys?
Thanks,
Scott

SCOTI · 10-07-2005, 09:13 PM

I have the Sanderson 3/4 length Chevelle headers on my big block & they exit above the frame rails. They are a compromise for ground clearance though as my truck is extremely low & nothing can sit below the frame-rails. They have 1 7/8" primary pipe diameter.

I saw a truck @ the GoodGuys show (Ft.Worth, TX) last week & he was running Sanderson headers for an early Camaro. The collectors were about .5 ~ 1" below the bottom of the frame which isn't too bad for a full length header. I looked for a P/N but couldn't find one to confirm the exact application they were intended for.

There's always custom built headers too. Pricy, but most things related to big blocks are

.

.030over · 10-07-2005, 09:32 PM

Been there, done that! Lots of work. My first attempt was for a pro street car I built. Start with a box of bends and lots of free time. Not exactly equal length, but an experience to do. I made the whole exhaust from the engine plates back, including mufflers!

SCOTI · 10-07-2005, 10:08 PM

Nice work!

If you're not wanting to undertake something as involved as scratch built but want full length, I would look into those early Camaro headers from Sanderson.

Livrat · 10-07-2005, 11:07 PM

IMHO... Doug Thorley Tri-Y's are the way to go.. I have used them on both 2WD's and 4X4's.. neither go down past the frame and are extremely efficient and work with the Big Block rpm curve.. I have two sets right now.. one on my Suburban and the other on my 68 GMC the GMC set have been on it for 15 year and they are still in great shape.. heres a link that tells all about the design..
Tri-Y design

FRENCHBLUE72 · 10-08-2005, 12:11 AM

I am looking into buying a set of headdrs for my 72 2wd with a 454 do any of you guys have a part # or model year to order??? Thanks Luke.

10-07-2005, 08:32 PM	#1
.030over Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 129	Big block header decision time... help! Getting close to think about headers so I thought I would kick some options out to see who has tried these. What I am building is a '67 SWB that will be lowered 4/6 or maybe 5/7 so I need some ground clearance. I plan on making a custom trans crossmember and will route my own exhaust. I mistakenly bought a set of std heddman headers for this truck only to hear you guys all say they don't have enough ground clearance. So my options seem to be (1) some type of pass car long tube header that has higher collector exit (chevelle, camaro) or (2) use a shorty header that won't maximize my 500hp big block. Has anyone used a mid length header on a big block? I see the small block Chevelle mids work but don't recall seeing anyone use the big block ones. Anyone use full long tube Chevelle big block headers. I know they would interfere with a stock trans crossmember but I can fab it however I wish. Any other ideas guys? Thanks, Scott __________________ '67 SWB big block project '85 C60 school bus motorhome conversion

10-07-2005, 09:13 PM	#2
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,031	I have the Sanderson 3/4 length Chevelle headers on my big block & they exit above the frame rails. They are a compromise for ground clearance though as my truck is extremely low & *nothing* can sit below the frame-rails. They have 1 7/8" primary pipe diameter. I saw a truck @ the GoodGuys show (Ft.Worth, TX) last week & he was running Sanderson headers for an early Camaro. The collectors were about .5 ~ 1" below the bottom of the frame which isn't too bad for a full length header. I looked for a P/N but couldn't find one to confirm the exact application they were intended for. There's always custom built headers too. Pricy, but most things related to big blocks are . __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

10-07-2005, 09:32 PM	#3
.030over Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 129	Custom headers... Been there, done that! Lots of work. My first attempt was for a pro street car I built. Start with a box of bends and lots of free time. Not exactly equal length, but an experience to do. I made the whole exhaust from the engine plates back, including mufflers! __________________ '67 SWB big block project '85 C60 school bus motorhome conversion

10-07-2005, 10:08 PM	#4
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,031	Nice work! If you're not wanting to undertake something as involved as scratch built but want full length, I would look into those early Camaro headers from Sanderson. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

10-08-2005, 12:11 AM	#6
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	I am looking into buying a set of headdrs for my 72 2wd with a 454 do any of you guys have a part # or model year to order??? Thanks Luke. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

10-07-2005, 11:07 PM	#5
Livrat Member #1049 Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Troy Montana Posts: 3,940	IMHO... Doug Thorley Tri-Y's are the way to go.. I have used them on both 2WD's and 4X4's.. neither go down past the frame and are extremely efficient and work with the Big Block rpm curve.. I have two sets right now.. one on my Suburban and the other on my 68 GMC the GMC set have been on it for 15 year and they are still in great shape.. heres a link that tells all about the design.. Tri-Y design

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